Life after cancer

Hi Stomagirl

Is it with an oncologist? If it’s anything like my mum it’s just a touch base . Probably take bloods and put a date in their diary for your next scan . They check how you are recovering clinically .

The scan appointments come through the post in our neighbourhood. I don’t think they would spring one on you as they are planned appointments.

Hope that helps .

Court 

Hi Stomagirl. I

t’s good that your medical team are confident that your cancer has been removed. Sadly, they can’t be sure that there isn’t some microscopic squatter still lurking and they will do what tests are needed to make sure you remain cancer free. I think for most of us that means blood and a scan. But there’s no denying scanxiety is all too real. The further you get from your treatment, the less likely you are to face a recurrence and the anxiety will ease. I strongly recommend Macmillan’s HOPE course - it helped me move on from my treatment and be much more positive about the future. 

Hi court , yes it is , going to ask a few questions, as I don’t know if waiting a year is ok ?? They seem confident I’m ned , which I’m soo happy about lol , struggling with few things life after cancer .. as you are kind of dumped ?? 

Hi wellspring 

I had no idea about that course , I will look into it today .. as it’s hard !! I am positive about future , and I’m doing well , just need to be helped onto right road almost??? 
thank you 

E

Hi Stomagirl

My bowel cancer op. was May '18, & my Lung Ablation (for Lung Mets,) was Oct.'19 - scan then showed all clear.

Since then, my colorectal team have been 'following' my progress.(Not my Oncologist - who signs you off once chemo. has stopped.)

I have a CT full body scan every six months. I receive a letter from my hospital.(Have just had one.)

I believe that you are followed for 5 years following treatment.

Best wishes

Thank you Marie Anne ,I had scan sept ?? Last year, and nothing since , just appointments, maybe I just need more reassurance? My liver surgeon was like it’s all gone , don’t need to see you again, see your bowel team .. 

hopefully on Fri i can get the reassurance I need , thanks again 

E

Yes, once treatment has ended - it's the bowel (Colorectal team,) that effectively take over - & make sure of follow appointments - which are usually CT Scans - every six months. A Colonoscopy is usually after 3 years of treatment for bowel cancer.

Your hospital should have provided you with a list of colorectal nurses & their contact number.

I think you should be phoning that dept. at the hospital where you were treated - & they should provide the answers & reassurance that you need right now - as they are now your front line for follow ups.

Best, Marianne

Hi Stomagirl. Hopefully they will be able to give you a schedule or at least a rough idea of what checks you’ll have. I think I had bloods every 3-6 months, annual scans and then a final colonoscopy but it may vary from area to area.

My hospital also ran a ‘Moving on from Cancer’ 1 day course so you could ask if yours does anything similar. Also a lot of people have found this paper helpful

www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/.../After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

I remember feeling almost a bit sad after being signed off by the oncologist as it felt like my comfort blanket had been taken away but time is a great healer and every clear scan pushes the memories further and further into the back of your mind

Take care

Karen x

I’ve got appointment on Fri so hopefully I will get told then , what plan is . 
I have a colerectal nurse who I can call , just having an anxious day I suppose lol 

tgank you everyone 

E

Thanks Karen , I’ll have a read , As you say time is a healer, yip definitely comfort blanket is whipped away , adjusting to a different life again, i have fibromyalgia too and arthritis so that’s flared at the moment too 

not a bad life just a bad day

Elaine